Cliffordene Norton's Blog, page 2
September 21, 2023
Returning to Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter World with Archangel’s Sun
As a devoted fan of Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, I recently embarked on a journey back into her captivating universe, revisiting her richly woven tales of archangels, angels, vampires, and the intricate web of power and politics that binds them.
The latest book re-read is Archangel’s Sun, the 13th instalment in this spellbinding series, and it did not disappoint.
One of the standout aspects of Singh’s Guild Hunter series is her ability to craft multi-dimensional characters, and Archangel’s Sun is no exception. The story centres around Titus, the archangel responsible for the vast continent of Africa, and he’s a character that’s impossible not to like. His strength, power, and the weight of his responsibilities make him a captivating main character.
But what truly sets this story apart is the introduction of the enigmatic and mesmerizing Shari, AKA Hummingbird. Her character is a masterpiece of complexity, an old and powerful being whose mind is a kaleidoscope of broken memories. Watching her evolve throughout the book is a thrilling experience, and her interactions with Titus are filled with both tension and tenderness.
Singh weaves a tale of post-archangelic war consequences that stretches from New York to Africa. The lingering legacy of the Archangels of Death and Disease manifests in the form of the reborn, undead creatures with a chilling glimmer of intelligence. Titus takes on the monumental task of stopping this new threat from spreading, but he can’t do it alone.
The backdrop of a world reeling from war and teetering on the brink of chaos provides an intense and immersive atmosphere. Singh’s world-building skills shine as she delves into the intricacies of the Guild Hunter universe, bringing both familiar and new elements to life.
One of the elements I appreciated most about Archangel’s Sun is how it delves into the aftermath of the archangelic war, exploring the consequences and the challenges faced by the surviving angels and archangels. The portrayal of their struggles and vulnerabilities adds depth to the story, making these supernatural beings feel relatable and human in their own way.
And then there’s the mysterious gift left behind by the Archangel of Disease, a revelation that is as chilling as it is captivating, driving the narrative forward with a relentless sense of urgency.
One of the main, I wouldn’t call it disappointments, more like missed opportunities, is Singh showing the Hummingbird side of Shari. Shari is rediscovering herself after her time in the kaleidoscope – she is finding her wing strength, power, and sense of humour.
However, she is still in an extremely tense situation. It would’ve done her character an amazing service by using her art as a stress relief and maybe leave some of the tragedy on the canvas.
Nalini Singh continues to prove why she’s a powerhouse in the genre, and I can’t wait to see where the Guild Hunter series takes us next.
September 13, 2023
How do I use ChatGPT to improve my writing?
Hello, everyone! 
It’s been about ten incredible months since ChatGPT burst onto the scene, revealing the incredible power of artificial intelligence. But hey, no need to panic, my fellow bookworms; this AI wizardry is here to help, not harm!
Initially, there were rumours flying about, suggesting that this was the end for authors everywhere. Yet, at work, I embraced ChatGPT with open arms. Still, I must confess, when it came to using it for my creative writing, I was a tad hesitant. The fear of losing my unique voice and inadvertently sounding like every other author haunted me. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the dread of accidentally plagiarizing someone else’s words!
However, as I dived headfirst into ChatGPT at my nine-to-five, I had an epiphany – AI was a fantastic tool, capable of saving precious time and enhancing my writing skills. So, for the past three months, I’ve been using ChatGPT more frequently, and folks, I’m loving every bit of it!
ChatGPT edits and refines my blog posts
First things first, ChatGPT works its magic by editing and fine-tuning my blog posts. It ensures my message shines through with crystal clarity while giving it a polished, professional touch.
Streamlined writing advice
Ever found yourself trapped in a writing rut? Well, let me introduce you to my writing saviour – ChatGPT! It’s like having your personal writing coach right at your fingertips. ChatGPT provides straightforward writing advice that’s perfect for tackling those pesky challenges like improving sentence structure, enhancing clarity, or refining storytelling techniques.
For instance, whenever I hit a roadblock while trying to conjure up vivid descriptions, I turn to ChatGPT for tips. And oh boy, it never disappoints! It might suggest techniques like using specific details to evoke emotions or throwing in a metaphor or simile to add that extra oomph to my writing.
Manuscript Development Editor
ChatGPT truly shines when it comes to the editing phase. It’s like having your very own manuscript development editor on speed dial. It helps me spot those pesky inconsistencies in my plot, points out when I’m being a little too repetitive, and even suggests alternative word choices. It’s like having a literary best friend who’s got your back while you fine-tune your masterpiece.
A trusted team member for business decisions
But hold on, it’s not just about writing! Writing is more than crafting beautiful sentences; it’s also about making informed decisions. ChatGPT has become an invaluable member of my team when it comes to brainstorming ideas or evaluating business strategies. Its insights have proven to be golden nuggets during decision-making sessions.
Pros and cons of leveraging ChatGPT
Of course, like all superheroes, ChatGPT does have its strengths and limitations. On the plus side, it’s incredibly accessible, lightning-fast, and serves up a diverse array of writing advice. However, it’s vital to remember that ChatGPT isn’t a substitute for human editors or the power of teamwork. It might not grasp every nuance of your unique writing style, so use its suggestions wisely.
ChatGPT is like a trusty sidekick in your writing and decision-making adventures. Whether you need writing advice, a manuscript editor, or a brainstorming buddy, ChatGPT is your go-to companion. Just remember, it’s part of your creative toolkit, working in harmony with your unique creativity and critical thinking to help you achieve the absolute best results.
However, it’s not a replacement for human editors or team collaboration. It might not fully grasp the nuances of your writing style, so use it wisely.
Just remember to use it as part of your toolkit, alongside your own creativity and critical thinking, to achieve the best results.
September 7, 2023
Things that inspire me to write
August 31, 2023
’n Dag van magic vir ’n skrywer
Skryf beteken dikwels om alleen te sit agter ’n rekenaar (soos ek nou doen) en jou karakters beter te leer ken!
Dit is my gunsteling deel van om ’n skrywer te wees, maar elke nou en dan kry ons die geleentheid om die buitengewone te doen. Dit was my onlangse ervaring.
Gereed vir aksie?My eerste digitale kortverhaalbundel, “Hartsmense,” is beskikbaar vanaf 1 September. Dit word deur VivA Uitgewers uitgegee en ook deur hulle verkoop. Dit is ’n wonderlike twee-in-een-bundel – ’n e-boek en ’n oudioboek. Om regte stemme vir elke kortverhaal te vind, was nie ‘n maklike taak nie – alhoewel Marlie Coetzee dit meestal bestuur het.
Sy het my gevra om dit te oorweeg om self van die stories te lees. Ek het my niggie en suster – belangrike dele van my skryfspan – gevra wat hulle dink.
“Nee,” het Cayla onmiddellik haar kop geskud. “Jy gaan senuweeagtig word en te vinnig praat.”
Sy het goeie rede gehad om bekommerd te wees. Ek kan vinnig praat as ek senuweeagtig is. Ek het twee wonderlike vroue gevra om die stories voor te lees.
Die week wat die studio bespreek is, het daar egter struikelblokke voorgeval en albei was nie beskikbaar nie. Oukei, dis ’n teken, het ek besluit. Ek sou self al drie stories voorlees.
Gelukkig het ek goeie familie en vriende, en ek het onmiddellik “ja” gesê toe ek hulle vra.
Ek met die wonderlike Marlie Coetzee (links) en my vriend en stemkunstenaar, Vrede Nkolonyane. Die aand van my 33ste verjaarsdag het ek geoefen, geoefen en geoefen. Dit het ’n vreemde invloed op my gehad: dit het my senuwees verminder en ek het weer verlief geraak op die kortverhale in “Hartsmense”. Die twyfel wat altyd aan ’n skrywer knaag het met elke oefenlopie, het verminder.
Die Vrydagoggend was ek senuweeagtig en my suster ook. Ons het opgestaan en mekaar moed ingepraat. Ons het by ’n studio in die NWU Konservatorium opgeneem en ons was vroeg daar.
Johan, ons klankingenieur, het ons vinnig gemaklik laat voel. Marlie het alles verduidelik en ons het ’n toetslopie of twee gedoen.
Van links: Johan, die klankingenieur, my suster Carmen Norton, die uwe, en Vrede 
Foto: Deur MarlieNatuurlik het ons foute gemaak, en elkeen van ons het ons foute getel, maar dit was wonderlik om te hoor hoe elke storie ’n stem kry. Die stem was anders as wat ek my voorgestel het, maar tog perfek.
Die stories het nuwe diepte en ’n hart gekry. Dit was absoluut wonderlik!
Na my bundel aanvaar is, was ek bietjie “hart”-mal [image error]
August 27, 2023
Hartsmense-voorblad
Hierdie stuk het eers op my Facebook-blad verskyn:
Op universiteit het ek my neus opgetrek vir kortverhale. Ek wou ’n BOEK skryf. Toe ontmoet ’n jong vrou een aand in my drome haar suster voor ’n til en ek moes haar storie vertel.
Dit was my eerste kortverhaal en ek was verlief. Vreemd hoe my genres, kort- en jeugverhale, mý gevind het, in plaas van ek vir hulle. Asof hulle gewag het tot ek hul waardig is, voor ek kon verlief raak op hulle.
Sedert daardie eerste kortverhaal het ek al honderde kortverhale geskryf en meer as dertig is gepubliseer.
Baie mense het gevra wanneer gee ek ’n bundel uit, maar soos met die genres moes ek vir die regte mense wag. Ek het dit by VivA Uitgewers en Marlie Coetzee gevind.
In die maande wat ons saam gewerk het, het hulle bevestig dat Afrikaanse boekebedryf ver van dood is. Hulle het my sterk laat voel, my menings en insette ter harte geneem, en in elke tree hiervan ondersteun. Ek wens daardie gevoel vir elke skrywer toe.
Kan julle glo, ek wou net skryf: Hier is Hartsmense se voorblad – #WeesBeïndruk. Wat ’n voorblad is dit nie!
My kortverhaalbundel, Hartsmense, word deur VivA Uitgewers uitgegee en sal as ʼn eboek-oudioboek verskyn
August 24, 2023
The benefits of life getting in the way of writing
Hey there!
Today, I want to talk about something we all face at some point in our writing journey – the pesky little thing called life. You know that meme we’ve seen a thousand times, where life just loves to throw itself in the middle of our writing adventure? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
As an author, you might find yourself planning to sit down and write, but suddenly, life decides to take centre stage. Whether it’s family responsibilities, unexpected trips, or even just a random wave of doctor’s appointments, these moments can be frustrating.
But let’s pause for a moment and think about it.
Life’s interruptions can actually be a blessing in disguise. Sure, they might momentarily halt our writing progress, but they also provide a much-needed break. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our writing world that we forget to live our own lives. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.
Recently, I had one of those “aha” moments. I realized that life’s interruptions aren’t just annoyances; they’re a reminder that life itself is a privilege. Getting out there, experiencing new things, taking care of our loved ones – it’s all part of being human. And it’s in these moments that we gather the very experiences and emotions that enrich our writing.
These seemingly mundane moments – the ones that make up the fabric of our lives – can be the fuel for our creative fire.
Writing isn’t just about crafting beautiful stories with colourful characters. It’s about capturing the essence of life in all its messiness and splendour. Sometimes, the most amazing moments are the ones that don’t fit the traditional narrative. They’re the ones that make us laugh, cry, and wonder at the world’s complexity.
So, the next time life decides to barge in while you’re writing, take a deep breath and embrace it. See it as an opportunity to refill your creative well. Sure, you might get irritated at first, but trust me, those interruptions are worth their weight in gold. They remind us that life and writing are intertwined, and one cannot truly exist without the other.
August 17, 2023
The multifaceted role of being an author
As a young author, it’s easy for others to assume that our only task is to write. Writing, of course, is the core of our work. It’s the creative process through which we weave stories, develop characters, and craft narratives that resonate with readers. Writing is where our imaginations soar, and our ideas take shape. However, writing alone is just the beginning of our journey as authors.
As young authors, we also find ourselves wearing the hat of content creators. In today’s digital age, creating engaging content beyond our books is essential for connecting with our audience. This includes maintaining a blog, writing articles, and even crafting social media posts that provide insights into our writing process or share our perspectives on literary themes. Content creation allows us to build a community, engage with readers, and establish ourselves as voices worth listening to.
In addition to writing and content creation, we become project managers of our own literary endeavours. Whether we’re working on a novel, a short story collection, or a series of poems, we are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing these projects from start to finish. This involves setting deadlines, creating outlines, managing revisions, and ensuring the overall quality of our work. Project management skills are crucial for young authors to navigate the complex landscape of completing and publishing their literary creations.
Another role we embrace is that of a finance manager. As authors, we must understand and manage our finances effectively. Indie authors even more so. This means budgeting for expenses related to editing, cover design, marketing, and even self-publishing if we choose that route. Keeping track of our income and expenses, understanding royalty structures, and making strategic financial decisions are all part of being a young author in charge of our own business.
Speaking of business, we can’t overlook the marketing aspect of our role. Even with the backing of a traditional publishing house, the onus falls on us to promote our work and build our author brand. We engage in social media marketing, connect with book bloggers and influencers, participate in interviews and podcasts, and explore various avenues to increase our visibility.
Marketing skills are crucial for young authors to reach their target audience and generate interest in their writing. It’s important to acknowledge that being a young author encompasses all these roles and more. We are not just writers; we are entrepreneurs, managing various aspects of our literary careers. While it may seem daunting at times, embracing these diverse responsibilities is what allows us to have creative control and chart our own path in the publishing world.
August 9, 2023
Did writing my debut novel give me a false sense of security?
Currently engrossed in the process of editing books 2 and 3, I find myself facing greater challenges than I did with my debut novel. The journey of crafting my first book, Om jou te ken, flowed effortlessly. Not only did it bring my dream to life, but it also solidified my identity as a Young Adult writer.
Soon after finalizing the draft for my inaugural novel, I delved into writing book 2, followed by the ambitious creation of book 3 (which encompassed two separate manuscripts).
Presently, as I labour over the 23rd iteration of book 2, I’m met with formidable struggles. While I understand that grappling with challenges is an integral part of the writing process, I can’t help but draw comparisons to the relative ease I experienced while writing book 1. This juxtaposition leads me to question whether readers will derive the same enjoyment from these subsequent manuscripts.
Doubt, an ever-present companion of writers, doesn’t discriminate based on experience or talent. Conversations with seasoned writers have revealed that they too contend with profound uncertainty regarding their projects. However, reflecting on the cherished memories of composing my debut work, I find myself pondering if it inadvertently fostered a misleading sense of confidence. This niggling thought of “perhaps I could only achieve it once” contributed to an uncharacteristic bout of writer’s block that I grappled with.
In response to this impasse, I recognized the need for a break and granted myself a day away from my work. Acknowledging my exhaustion, I embarked on a brief hiatus, during which I breathed life into likable and authentic characters through short stories.
Returning to writing without the weight of expectation proved to be the key that unlocked the floodgates. Once again, I revisited my manuscripts, allowing myself to edit in a manner that brought me genuine satisfaction.
This enlightening journey underscored a vital lesson: each manuscript possesses its own unique writing process. Engaging in comparisons between them is a futile endeavour. Instead, I’ve learned to relish the creative process itself, embracing both its joys and its educational opportunities. As I continue to navigate the complexities of books 2 and 3, I am reminded to find solace in the journey, embracing its intrinsic value and ever-evolving lessons.
Om jou te ken: https://www.takealot.com/om-jou-te-ken/PLID73919389
August 2, 2023
Falling for fiction: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Hey there, fellow bookworms!
Today, I’m diving into the enchanting world of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. With the movie adaptation just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share my thoughts on this gem.
First things first, let’s raise a glass to Casey McQuiston for their brilliant debut novel. It’s a hybrid of genres, mixing elements of romance, politics, and a dash of quirkiness. And let me tell you, it’s a bit of a wild rollercoaster, but in the most amazing way.
The story follows two intriguing characters, Alex – First Son of USA – and Henry – Second line to the British throne. They start off as adversaries but end up becoming deeply interested in each other.
I found myself laughing out loud at their hilarious banter.
History, huh? Bet we could make some!
Now, let’s talk about the romance. McQuiston’s writing style gives the story a modern and realistic voice that feels refreshing. The chemistry between Alex and Henry is off the charts, and the way they navigate their feelings is both heartwarming and swoon-worthy. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of romance that speaks to the modern soul.
Henry and Alex are beautifully fleshed out, and their personalities shine through the pages. They are so vibrant and full of life – the kind of characters you can’t help but root for.
The supporting characters are also well-established. From the fun-loving Pez to Henry’s dog David, each character brings their own unique flair to the story. The amount of research and attention to detail that went into developing these characters is admirable. Plus, the humour in this book is on point, adding an extra layer of delight.
One of the things that stood out to me was how the book explores Alex’s sexuality in a refreshingly healthy way. It’s different from the typical crisis-oriented narratives we often see. McQuiston deftly weaves this thread of self-discovery into the plot, making it feel natural and empowering.
Let’s dive into the historical elements of the story. McQuiston skillfully incorporates British and American history, creating a fascinating backdrop for the events to unfold. It’s like having brunch with your knowledgeable friend who knows all the juicy historical tidbits.
Some improvements I would’ve appreciated. The book starts off in a very weird way with a quote our main character, Alex, saw.
The stages of their love, understanding, and spending time with each other are clearly depicted, even if it does jump around a bit. But hey, love works in mysterious ways, right?
The character of June felt underdeveloped. I can’t help but wonder if there could have been more depth and purpose to June’s presence in the story.
June’s characterization felt like a mishmash of mumsy persona and girl-next-door vibes. Maybe the author intended it that way, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I’d have loved a more distinct and consistent portrayal.
All in all, Red, White & Royal Blue is a fantastic journey filled with laughter, love, and unexpected twists. While it may have had a few hiccups along the way, it’s still a book I highly recommend. So, grab your copy, buckle up, and get ready to fall head over heels for Alex, Henry, and their unforgettable love story.
Happy reading!
July 27, 2023
Reviving the muse: reenergize your writing journey in the face of unmotivation
Recently I’ve talked a lot about the business of being an author, but I also wanted to talk about the emotional side of writing. I experience physical burnout and but not creative burnout. I would get ideas for the amazing scene but have no real energy to write it.
I had just finished a big project at work and decided to rest from my writing. But I also went looking for tips on how to heal and make writing fun again. Here are some tips to help you:
Set achievable goals: Break down your writing tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Set specific targets for word count, writing time, or completing a particular section. By focusing on smaller tasks, it can be easier to find motivation to get started.
Establish a routine: Create a writing routine or schedule that works for you. Set aside dedicated time for writing each day or week and treat it as a regular commitment. Having a consistent writing habit can help overcome the initial lack of motivation.
Find inspiration: Seek out sources of inspiration to reignite your creativity. Read books or articles in your genre, explore different writing prompts, listen to music that evokes emotions related to your writing, or engage in activities that stimulate your imagination. Inspiration can come from various sources, so experiment and find what works best for you.
Change your writing environment: Sometimes a change of scenery can make a significant difference. If you usually write in one location, try switching to a different spot—a café, a park, or even a different room in your house. A new environment can help stimulate your creativity and motivate you to write.
Take breaks: If you’ve been consistently writing and feel burned out, it’s okay to take a break. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, watching movies, spending time in nature, or pursuing other hobbies. Taking breaks can help you come back to writing with a refreshed mindset.
Remember, motivation can be elusive, but it’s discipline and persistence that will carry you through the writing process. Keep writing, even when you don’t feel motivated, and trust that the inspiration will return in due time.
